Cowboy boot cover

ABSTRACT

Boot covers are created as a way to change the way a cowboy boot looks by covering the worn out or old shaft with a decorative cover that is easily pulled on and taken off. This is a practical way to make boots seem new again if they are worn out and old. The boot covers, made of stretch fabric, are worn along with the cowboy boot and a heel strap unit. The heel strap unit made of stretch fabric provides stability to the boot cover with the cowboy boot. Stretch fabric allows for the boot cover to be pulled directly over the cowboy boot for a snug and proper fit without any hooks, or other attachments to fit well. The stretch fabric is then secured at the bottom of the boot with the heel strap unit which snaps closed on the exterior side of the elongated hollow shaft unit.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a panel for wearing apparel and in particular, to a fabric and alternative material design cover for a cowboy boot.

BACKGROUND

Cowboy boots refer to a specific style of riding boot, historically worn by cowboys. The boot has a Cuban heel, rounded to pointed toe, high shaft, and, traditionally, no lacing. There are two basic styles of cowboy boots, western (or classic), and roper. The classic style is distinguished by a tall boot shaft, going to at least mid-calf, with an angled “cowboy” heel, usually over one inch high. A slightly lower, still angled, “walking” heel is also common. Although western boots can be customized with a wide variety of toe shapes, the classic design is a narrowed, usually pointed, toe. Since cowboys generally tend cattle on ranches, traditionally on horseback, and often perform a multitude of other ranch related tasks, the possibility of wearing out their boots becomes high. Once the boots are worn out or old, the appeal or the look of the boot may not be good.

Since boots are very expensive, it may not be a good decision to buy a new pair of boots. There are various solutions available to fix the problems with the look of the boots. A solution to this problem is to refurbish the boots by a professional. A problem with this solution is that refurbishing by a professional is expensive and recurring. Another solution to this problem is to cover the boots with a knitted or fur-type products which are found on the internet called “Hugrz”. A further solution is to decorate the boots with a product called “Hugs” or other minimal jewelery-type option. Problem with covering the cowboy boot with the knitted-or fur-based products or “Hugs” or other minimal jewelery-type option would be that it negates the overall appeal or look of the cowboy boot. Covering boots and shoes with gators or spats has been a solution in the past.

In light of the aforesaid discussion, there is a need for a product or a process to cover the cowboy boot and/or to reduce the burden of buying a new pair of cowboy boots.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, boot covers are created as a way to change the way a cowboy boot looks by covering the shaft with a decorative cover that is easily pulled on and taken off. This is a practical way to make boots seem new again if they are worn out and old. The boot covers are a fraction of the cost and an easy way to increase the life of existing boots.

The boot covers are worn along with the cowboy boot using a heel strap. In an embodiment of the present invention, the boot cover includes an elongated hollow shaft unit and a heel strap unit. The elongated shaft unit may cover leg of the wearer of the cowboy boot or the old shaft of the cowboy boot. The shaft may have an open top and bottom faces. The bottom face of the boot cover may be fitted at the top of the cowboy boot. The heel strap unit may hold the elongated shaft unit with the cowboy boot. Thus the boot cover is secured at the bottom of the cowboy boot with the heel strap unit which snaps closed on the exterior side of the boot cover. The elongated shaft unit and the heel strap unit both are made of a stretch fabric. Stretch fabric of the heel strap unit allows for the boot cover to be pulled directly over the cowboy boot for a snug and proper fit without any hooks, or other attachments to fit well. This arrangement of the heel strap unit provides stability to the boot cover with the cowboy boot.

The heel strap unit may attach with the elongated shaft unit with at least one fastening element. The elongated shaft unit may include a first part of the fastening element while the heel strap unit may include a second part corresponding to the first part of the fastening element. Examples of the fastening element include, but not limited to, a snap fastener, plastic fastener or magnetic snap. The elongated shaft unit may further include lining element on its interior surface for comfort features such as additional padding, or for the ability to pull moisture away from the wearer's foot. The elongated shaft unit may still further include at least one pouch on its exterior surface for inserting articles.

The heel strap unit includes two strap elements, such as a first strap element and a second strap element, and an elastic element. Each of the strap elements have a width same as that of the heel strap unit desired and at most length half of that of the heel strap unit. The elastic element may connect both the strap elements. The strap elements may be made of a stretch fabric. The elastic element is made of one or more elastic materials. The elastic materials are solid materials which return to their original shape after being deformed. Example of the elastic materials include, but not limited to, rubber. The two strap elements may be joined in the center with the elastic element to form the heel strap unit. The elastic element allows the heel strap unit to be compatible with different widths of sole of the cowboy boot.

The boot covers of the present invention are structured enough to maintain their upright integrity when worn with short boots as well. Since cowboy boots are relatively large and consume a lot of closet space, the boot cover of the present invention is easily stored and takes minimal space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of a cowboy boot with a boot cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of a heel strap unit pulled across a cowboy boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate external and underside view of a heel strap unit of a boot cover respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate external and internal view of a blank stretch fabric of an elongated shaft unit respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although many different embodiments of the invention are possible, several particular examples are disclosed in this detailed description. These examples (like the foregoing summary of the embodiments) are meant to facilitate understanding of the claimed invention, and are not intended to limit the claims to particularly disclosed or summarized embodiments.

It will be understood that the drawings are provided to illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention. Thus it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to limit solely the features shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of a cowboy boot 102 with a boot cover 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Boot cover 100 may include an elongated hollow shaft unit 104 and a heel strap unit 106. Cowboy boots 102 are normally made from cowhide leather but are also sometimes made from “exotic” skins such as alligator, snake, ostrich, lizard, eel, elephant, stingray, elk, buffalo, and the like. Boot covers 100 are created as a way to change the way cowboy boot 102 looks by covering the worn our or old shaft with a decorative cover that is easily pulled on and taken off. This is a practical way to make boots seem new again if they are worn out and old. Boot covers 100 are a fraction of the cost and an easy way to increase the life of existing boots.

Elongated shaft unit 104 may have a cylindrical shape where the base or face of the cylinder may vary with piece to piece. The geometry of the base may vary as per the compatibility of the top of cowboy boot 102. Examples of the geometry of the base are, but not limited to, a square or a circle or a rectangle. Elongated shaft unit 104 are made of a variety of functional, durable, stretch fabrics which refer to one or more materials made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods such as garments. The materials of the fabric include, but not limited to, wool, flax, or cotton. Elongated shaft unit 104 may be a stretch denim fabric panel and lining sewn together and ready for the decorative pieces.

Heel strap unit 106 may hold elongated shaft unit 104 with cowboy boot 102. Heel strap unit 106 may be attached to elongated shaft unit 104 with at least one fastening element (as described in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Heel strap unit 106 are made of a variety of functional, durable, stretch fabrics which refer to one or more materials made through weaving, knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in production of further goods such as garments. The materials of the fabric include, but not limited to, wool, flax, or cotton.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of a heel strap unit 106 pulled across a cowboy boot 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Boot cover 100 are worn along with cowboy boot 102 and a heel strap unit 106 of boot cover 100 provides stability to elongated shaft unit 104 with cowboy boot 102. Heel strap unit 106 may be made of, but not limited to, stretch fabric. Stretch fabric allows for elongated shaft unit 104 to be pulled directly over cowboy boot 102 for a snug and proper fit without any hooks, or other attachments to fit well. The stretch fabric is then secured at the bottom of cowboy boot 102 with heel strap unit 106 which snaps closed on the exterior side of elongated shaft unit 104. Sole 208 of cowboy boot 102 may provide additional support to heel strap unit 106. Heel strap unit 106 includes two strap elements 202 and 204, each of a width same as that of heel strap unit 106 desired and a length at most half of that of heel strap unit 106, and an elastic section 206 connecting two strap elements 202 and 204. Elastic element 206 is made of one or more elastic materials. The elastic materials are solid materials which return to their original shape after being deformed. Example of the elastic materials include, but not limited to, rubber, polymer.

Boot cover 100 may further include at least one fastening element 210 for attaching heel strap unit 106 to elongated shaft unit 104. Fastening element 210 may include a first part and a second part, where the first part of fastening element 210 may fix with elongated shaft unit 104 and the second part of fastening element 210 may fix with heel strap unit 106. Examples of fastening element 210 include, but not limited to, snap fastener, plastic fastener or magnetic snap.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate external and underside view of a heel strap unit 106 of a boot cover 100 respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Two strap elements 202 and 204 (as already mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 2) may be joined in the center with elastic element 206 to form heel strap unit 106. Elastic element 206 allows heel strap unit 106 to be compatible with different widths of sole of cowboy boots 102.

Boot cover 100 may be designed in different patterns including but not limited to XS, S, M, and L to accommodate cowboy boot 102 within those generalized size ranges. Since cowboy boots 102 are relatively large and consume a lot of closet space, boot cover 100 of cowboy boot 102 is designed to facilitate easy storage within minimal space. Boot cover 100 maintains the look and feel of cowboy boot 102 without altering it so much as to make it unrecognizable. The drawbacks of other products on the market are that they either don't apply to cowboy boots 102 or they negate the look and feel of an actual cowboy boot 102. Boot cover 100 preserves the look and feel both and thus it achieves the objectives of the present invention.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate external and internal view of a blank stretch fabric 400 of an elongated shaft unit 104 respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Elongated shaft unit 104 may include lining element 404 on its interior surface for comfort features such as additional padding, or for the ability to pull moisture away from the wearer's foot. Elongated shaft unit 104 may still further include at least one pouch on its exterior surface for carrying articles. Elongated shaft unit 104 may be a stretch denim fabric panel 402 and lining element 404 sewn together.

Lining element 404 may also be a stretch fabric. Lining element 404 may have, but not limited to, a cow print. In an embodiment of the present invention, lining element 404 is cut ⅛″ shorter on the top and on the bottom. When turned right side out and ironed flat, the exterior fabric will then “roll” up and over the edges so lining piece may not show on the outside of elongated shaft unit 104. After ironing, the exterior fabric is now “rolled” into the interior of boot cover 100 to make a nice clean finish on the edge.

The design work elongated shaft unit 102 is made of either rhinestones or rhinestuds and will eventually be made with any combination of embellishments including but not limited to embroidery, screen print, or rivet and stud work. These examples are made with rhinestones or rhinestuds transfers that use a hot fix process using a heat press machine.

The invention has been described here in terms of certain embodiments, but it is to be understood that any variations on these embodiments that are apparent to one skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the claims. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A boot cover for use with a cowboy boot, the boot cover comprising: a) an elongated hollow shaft unit for covering the leg of the wearer, the elongated shaft having open top and bottom faces, the bottom face of the elongated shaft unit fitted with the top of the cowboy boot; and b) a heel strap unit for holding the elongated shaft unit with the cowboy boot, the heel strap unit attached to the elongated shaft unit with at least one fastening element.
 2. The boot cover of claim 1 further comprising lining element on the interior surface of the elongated shaft.
 3. The boot cover of claim 1 further comprising at least one pouch on exterior surface of the elongated shaft unit.
 4. The boot cover of claim 1 wherein the heel strap comprising a first strap element, a second strap element, and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element connecting the first strap element and the second strap element.
 5. The boot cover of claim 1 wherein the elongated shaft unit comprising a first part of the fastening element.
 6. The boot cover of claim 1 wherein the heel strap unit further comprising a second part corresponding to the first part of the fastening element.
 7. A boot cover for use with a cowboy boot, the boot cover comprising: a) an elongated hollow shaft unit for covering the leg of the wearer, the elongated shaft having open top and bottom faces, the bottom face of the elongated shaft unit fitted with the top of the cowboy boot, the elongated shaft comprising lining element on the interior surface of the elongated shaft; and b) a heel strap unit for holding the elongated shaft unit with the cowboy boot, the heel strap attached to the elongated shaft unit with at least one fastening element, the heel strap unit comprising a first strap element, a second strap element, and an elastic element, wherein the elastic element connecting the first strap element and the second strap element.
 8. The boot cover of claim 7 further comprising at least one pouch on exterior surface of the elongated shaft unit.
 9. The boot cover of claim 7 wherein the elongated shaft unit comprising a first part of at least one fastening element.
 10. The boot cover of claim 7 wherein the heel strap unit further comprising a second part corresponding to the first part of the fastening element.
 11. A boot cover for use with a cowboy boot, the boot cover comprising: a) an elongated hollow shaft unit for covering the leg of the wearer, the elongated shaft having open top and bottom faces, the bottom face of the elongated shaft unit fitted the top of the cowboy boot, the elongated shaft comprising lining element on the interior surface of the elongated shaft; b) a heel strap unit for holding the elongated shaft unit with the cowboy boot, the heel strap unit comprising a first strap element, a second strap element, and an elastic element; and c) at least one fastening element for attaching the heel strap unit to the elongated shaft unit, the fastening element comprising a first part and a second part, whereas the first part of the fastening element fixed with the elongated shaft unit and the second part of the fastening element fixed with the heel strap unit.
 12. The boot cover of claim 11 further comprising at least one pouch on exterior surface of the elongated shaft unit. 